Demon Slayer | Character Analysis | Tanjiro Kamado

By: Prince Lammy

In the world of anime, Demon Slayer has taken the world by storm. With its unique storytelling, breathtaking animation, and unforgettable characters, it's no wonder that it has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Set in a fictional version of Japan during the Taisho era, Demon Slayer follows the story of a young boy named Tanjiro Kamado. After demons brutally slaughter his family, Tanjiro is left to care for his sister, Nezuko, who has been transformed into a demon herself.

Determined to save his sister and avenge his family, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, a group of highly skilled warriors dedicated to protecting humanity from the threat of demons. Along the way, he meets a cast of memorable characters with unique stories and abilities.

As the series progresses, Tanjiro faces countless challenges and grows as a person and a Demon Slayer. From his unwavering determination to his kind and compassionate heart, Tanjiro is a character that viewers cannot help but root for. 

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the anime to analyze Tanjiro Kamado in the anime series Demon Slayer. Through exploring his backstory, unique traits and abilities, relationships with other characters, and overall significance to the story, we will better understand Tanjiro's role as the protagonist and how he contributes to the themes and messages of the show.

Tanjiro's Backstory

Tanjiro Kamado was born and raised in a small mountain village in Japan. He was the eldest son of a family who made a living by selling charcoal. Tanjiro had a happy childhood, spending most of his days helping his parents with their work and caring for his younger siblings.

However, tragedy struck when Tanjiro's family was attacked by a demon while he was away selling charcoal. The demon killed everyone in his family except for his younger sister Nezuko, who was turned into a demon herself.

On his way to seek help from the village, he came across Giyu Tomioka, the water Hashira, who attempted to kill Nezuko but was kept at bay by Tanjiro. Surprised at how Nezuko also came in to defend her brother whenever he attempted to strike Tanjiro, he resolved to send them to his master, Sakonji Urokodaki.

Determined to protect and save his sister, Tanjiro sets out on a journey to become a Demon Slayer, a member of a group of elite warriors who fight demons and protect humans. Along the way, he encounters many challenges and battles, but he never loses sight of his goal to find a cure for his sister's condition and avenge his family's death.

Appearance

Tanjiro is a young lad with a toned and athletic build, stands at an average height, and has a sun-kissed complexion. His dark and unkempt hair with crimson highlights is neatly combed back to reveal his forehead, while his deep red eyes with white pupils seem to lighten up around the lower edges of his irises. 

He bears a distinct mark on the top left of his forehead, which initially appeared as a graze until he fought the Hand Demon during the Final Selection, which turned it into a fiery design known as his Demon Slayer Mark. The roughness of his hands at his tender age is a testament to his rigorous training under Sakonji Urokodaki. 

Interestingly, Tanjiro bears a striking resemblance to his ancestor Sumiyoshi in terms of facial features, eyes, and hairstyle. However, Sumiyoshi's hair was longer, about shoulder-length, and would be tied in a ponytail behind his head.

As Tanjiro first makes his grand entrance, he is garbed in a stylish checkered haori in a striking black and sea-foam-green combination, which he wears over a white robe and black pants. His unique fashion sense is further accentuated by his occasional donning of a stunning turquoise scarf and circular, white bands around his calves.

Tanjiro's signature Hanafuda earrings are not to be missed, featuring an image of the rising sun over a majestic mountain. His hair is kept in a small ponytail or bun at the start, but it grows to shoulder-length as he trains with Sabito and Makomo.

As he progresses through the Final Selection, Tanjiro ditches his initial attire and dons a striking blue samue-styled kimono with a cloud pattern and black pants, reminiscent of his mentor, Sakonji. Despite the wardrobe change, Tanjiro still proudly wears his hanafuda earrings, although his hair has been chopped off to a very short length, which remains the same to date.

Like his fellow apprentices, Tanjiro wore a hand-carved fox mask on the left side of his head, which Sakonji crafted. The mask has red accents on the eyes, ears, and mouth corners and features a sun-shaped design on the upper right corner, likely symbolizing the scar on his forehead.

After joining the ranks of the Demon Slayers, Tanjiro adopts the standard uniform that all members wear. This consists of a dark-brown gakuran jacket with a white belt, baggy chocho zubon pants extending into tabi socks, and zōri with red straps. To complete the look, Tanjiro wears bands of white cloth tightly wrapped around his calves, resembling kyahan. He wears this ensemble beneath his signature checkered haori. 

Tanjiro also wears a white belt around his waist, which holds his sword, and black boots that provide support during battle. This outfit is designed to be lightweight and flexible, allowing Tanjiro to move quickly and dodge attacks.

Irrespective of place, time, and circumstance, and even during battles, Tanjiro always carries a large wooden box on his back, a thoughtful gift from his mentor, Sakonji Urokodaki. The box serves as a mobile resting place for his younger sister, Nezuko, who slumbers inside while traveling.

Tanjiro's overall appearance reflects his personality, which is kind, humble, and practical. He does not place a great deal of emphasis on material possessions or flashy clothing but instead focuses on what is necessary for survival and success. This simple and practical approach is reflected in his choice of clothing and physical appearance, which are both unassuming and effective.

Personality and Traits

Tanjiro Kamado possesses several positive character traits that define him as a person and as a Demon Slayer:

He is widely regarded as a gentle and kind-hearted individual, possessing warm and compassionate eyes that capture the attention of those around him. His unwavering determination is unmatched, and he refuses to give up once he has set his sights on a goal, a prime example of which is his tireless pursuit of a cure for his sister, Nezuko.

While Tanjiro is undoubtedly strong and capable, he understands the importance of seeking assistance when necessary and is not hesitant to ask for help from others. He has a deep-rooted loyalty to his friends and family and is particularly protective of his younger sister.

Despite his kind and understanding nature, Tanjiro has a limit to his tolerance and dislikes behavior that he perceives as rude or cowardly. He becomes irritated by Zenitsu Agatsuma's constant whining and can become angered by Inosuke Hashibira's barbaric actions.

He also is straightforward and honest, taking everyone's remarks seriously. He could also be rather sarcastic on some occasions, as seen when Tengen Uzui claimed to be a deity; he inquired as to which location he was the god of. He also has problems lying, which makes his face contort dramatically as his sincerity conflicts with the duplicity of his words.

But Tanjiro hides a burning inferno of hatred and revenge under his seemingly friendly and cheerful exterior. This part of him emerges when Tanjiro confronts Muzan, ready to draw his sword and fight him. After Muzan flees, Tanjiro expresses his rage and swears that he will be the one to murder Muzan. 

He quickly gets infuriated whenever he sees innocent civilians or Demon Slayers mercilessly maimed and killed by Demons. Tanjiro expresses apparent wrath on Mount Natagumo after the kidnapped Demon Slayers' necks are severed by the Mother Spider Demon's threads, which Inosuke detects. He erupted in wrath when he saw Daki laughing after seeing her slay three people mercilessly with her sashes. 

Another prominent trait is empathy, which allows him to understand and connect with others on a deeper level. Tanjiro's empathy is demonstrated through his interactions with both humans and demons, as he seeks to understand their motivations and feelings before making judgments. 

Abilities

Skills and Breathing Techniques or Forms aside, Tanjiro has garnered some abilities over time. He is an exceptional fighter with a natural talent for combat, especially swordsmanship. He possesses superhuman abilities like heightened senses, strong willpower, and great intellect. Some other abilities he has include, but are not limited to:

Great Endurance and Stamina

Even more than his friends, Inosuke and Zenitsu, Tanjiro has shown that he's more dedicated to getting stronger at different times. And taking drills, missions, and training more seriously than usual has helped him become more tolerant and enduring of unfavorable conditions, and also hold out during fights, irrespective of how the tide of that is going. His stamina is also way out of the ordinary for a kid his size or age, as he can still stand unflinching against Demons who are members of the Twelve Kizuki, Muzan's top 12 strongest demons.

Excellent Sense of Smell

Tanjiro has an exceptionally acute sense of smell. Tanjiro was renowned in his town before becoming a Demon Slayer as a child with an unusually powerful sense of smell. He can detect even the faintest odors and follow their whereabouts with frightening accuracy across vast distances. It is strong enough for him to detect the 'opening thread,' a brief halt in an enemy's movement that permits him to attack. His sense of smell is so acute that he can detect his environment through smell alone.

Strength

After training with Sakonji Urokodaki, Tanjiro developed his arms and legs to sprint and leap off walls and obstacles effortlessly. Another example of his strength was when he shattered one of Inosuke's ribs after encountering the Drum Demon. His training at the time he learned total concentration breathing also made him stronger than he already was.

Great Intuition

Though it is sincere to note that his intuition sometimes is not usually as fast or accurate as Inosuke's, but that doesn't make them any lesser. He can constantly adapt and outsmart his opponent in battle by creating and taking advantage of specific conditions that always give him a winning strike or opening.

Hard Skull

Tanjiro has a naturally sturdy skull that has been compared to a rock. In rare scenarios, he may headbutt his foe hard enough to startle or knock them out, causing their skull to bleed on impact. Several of his allies have suffered the wrong end of this, just as much as some other unfriendly characters and demons alike, some of which are Inosuke, Gyutaro, Sanemi Shinazugawa, and the Temple Demon.

Speed and Reflexes

Tanjiro has incredible speed and response time, allowing him to go quicker than the human eye can see, and he even tends to move faster than Sabito, a highly proficient sword master. Nevertheless, even before he began practicing Total Concentration Breathing, he could react to demons' rapid movement abilities. One event that might've spurred him on to achieve this feat was his inability to interfere in Kyojuro Rengoku and Akaza's fight, as even his eyes could not follow the motions of the two fighters.

Transparent World

This is a unique ability that he develops throughout the series. This technique allows him to enter a state of complete concentration and clarity of mind, enabling him to move and react with incredible speed and precision.

Whenever Tanjiro uses this technique, his body becomes almost invisible to the naked eye, making it difficult for his enemies to track his movements. He can also sense the slightest changes in his surroundings, including the movements of his opponents and the flow of the air. This allows him to anticipate and dodge attacks with incredible ease.

Equipment

NIchirin Sword: Tanjiro's nichirin sword is a standard-sized and shaped katana that Hotaru Haganezuka forged. The sword is unique in several ways and possesses specific characteristics that make it especially effective against demons.

One of the most notable characteristics of Tanjiro's sword is its color-changing ability. When Tanjiro first received the sword, it had a standard metallic color. However, after he first wielded it, the sword turned a deep black, which is said to signify the user's inability to stick to one form. Additionally, when Tanjiro activates his Demon Slayer Mark, the sword turns a bright red color.

Another unique aspect of Tanjiro's sword is its hilt. The hilt is a black ring connected to the sword's core by lines resembling a wagon wheel. The hilt is said to help Tanjiro control his sword more effectively and channel his strength into each strike.

Furthermore, Tanjiro's sword is incredibly durable and can withstand powerful attacks from demons. However, despite its durability, the sword is not indestructible, as Tanjiro has had to repair or replace it after several battles.

Finally, thanks to its composition, Tanjiro's sword is also effective at cutting through demon flesh. The blade is made of nichirin, a particular ore that has been tempered to create a sword that is especially effective against demons.

Breathing Techniques/Forms

Tanjiro Kamado, the main character in the Demon Slayer anime, is known for his water-breathing techniques. Throughout the series, he masters a number of different water-breathing forms, each with unique characteristics and abilities. Here are the water-breathing forms Tanjiro masters:

First Form: Water Surface Slash

The Water Surface Slash is Tanjiro's basic sword technique. He swings his sword in a wide arc, creating a powerful wave of water that can knock back opponents.

Second Form: Water Wheel

The Water Wheel form involves a quick rotation of the sword, creating a water barrier around the user. This technique helps defend against attacks.

Third Form: Flowing Dance

Graceful, flowing movements characterize the Flowing Dance form. Tanjiro uses this technique to evade enemy attacks and strike with precision.

Fourth Form: Striking Tide

The Striking Tide technique involves a powerful downward slash that creates a tidal wave of water. This technique is helpful for attacking opponents from above.

Fifth Form: Blessed Rain after the Drought

Blessed Rain after the Drought is a powerful technique involving swift, precise sword strikes and powerful water-based attacks. This form is helpful in taking on multiple opponents at once.

Sixth Form: Whirlpool

The Whirlpool technique involves a spinning motion that creates a powerful water vortex around the user. This technique helps draw in opponents and attack them with precision.

Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust Curve

This technique involves a rapid succession of strikes, creating the illusion of a rain of swords. This technique is useful for overwhelming opponents with quick, precise attacks.

Eighth Form: Waterfall Basin

The Waterfall Basin technique involves a powerful downward strike that creates a large water basin. This technique is useful for attacking opponents from a distance.

Ninth Form: Splashing Water Flow, Turbulent

It involves Tanjiro quickly striking his opponent multiple times with his sword, creating a series of water waves that can deflect and weaken their attacks. This technique is helpful in breaking through an opponent's defense and gaining an advantage in close combat.

Tenth Form: Constant Flux

It involves Tanjiro using a continuous flow of water to enhance the speed and power of his sword strikes, often resembling a dragon's head. This technique allows him to deliver rapid, precise attacks that overwhelm his opponent's defenses.

Each water-breathing form showcases Tanjiro's growth and progression as a Demon Slayer. He becomes stronger, faster, and more skilled in battle with each new form. His mastery of the water breathing techniques allows him to take on increasingly powerful opponents and protect his friends and loved ones.

And lastly, the only other supreme technique that's not a water-breathing form.

Hinokami Kagura Dance

The Hinokami Kagura dance is a powerful technique Tanjiro learned from his father. It involves a series of intricate and rhythmic movements intended to replicate the movements of flames.

To perform the Hinokami Kagura dance, Tanjiro first assumes a low stance, with his left hand held out in front of him and his right hand behind his back. He then begins to move his feet in a pattern, stepping forward, back, and side to side while making sweeping, circular movements with his arms. As he dances, he also recites a prayer that is said to evoke the power of fire.

The Hinokami Kagura dance works by harnessing the power of fire and channeling it through the user's body and weapon. When Tanjiro performs the dance, he can imbue his sword with an intense heat that allows him to cut through even the strongest of demons. The dance also strengthens Tanjiro's body, making him faster, stronger, and more agile than he would be otherwise.

Additionally, the Hinokami Kagura dance psychologically affects Tanjiro's opponents. The dance is said to be so beautiful and mesmerizing that it can distract and disorient demons, making it easier for Tanjiro to land a critical blow. Overall, the Hinokami Kagura dance is a powerful technique that allows Tanjiro to tap into the power of fire and unleash his full potential as a Demon Slayer.

Weaknesses

Tanjiro's emotional vulnerability is a significant weakness in his character. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and his kind-hearted nature often causes him to empathize deeply with others, even his enemies. This makes him susceptible to being hurt and exploited by those seeking to exploit his kindness.

Another weakness is his tendency to prioritize the needs of others over his own. While his selflessness is admirable, it can lead to him putting himself in danger or neglecting his needs, as seen in his determination to protect Nezuko at all costs.

Additionally, Tanjiro struggles with feelings of guilt and responsibility for the tragedies that have befallen his family and friends. He is haunted by the memory of his family's deaths and the fact that he could not prevent it, leading to bouts of self-doubt and despair.

Despite these flaws, Tanjiro's determination to protect those he loves and his unwavering kindness and empathy toward others make him a compelling and relatable protagonist. Through his struggles and growth, viewers can witness the power of perseverance and the importance of kindness and empathy in the face of adversity.

Relationships

With Nezuko

Tanjiro's bond with his sister Nezuko is one of the defining aspects of his character. From a young age, Tanjiro has shown a deep love and devotion to his sister, and this bond only grows stronger after she becomes a demon. Tanjiro makes it his mission to find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human, and this becomes the driving force behind his actions as a Demon Slayer.

Tanjiro's love for Nezuko also influences his interactions with other demons. He is one of the few Demon Slayers who believes that demons can be redeemed and returned to their human form. This belief is rooted in his desire to save his sister and bring her back to the person she once was.

Throughout the series, Tanjiro is willing to risk everything to protect Nezuko. He puts himself in harm's way countless times to ensure her safety, and this devotion to his sister often leads him to take risks that others would shy away from. His unwavering love for Nezuko is a testament to his strong sense of loyalty and compassion.

 With Other Demon Slayers

Tanjiro forms many close relationships with his fellow Demon Slayers, which play a significant role in his growth as a person and a fighter. He quickly bonds with his mentor, Urokodaki, who teaches him the basics of swordsmanship and encourages him to develop his unique style. 

Tanjiro's bond with his sister, Nezuko, also has a major impact on his relationships with other Demon Slayers, as many are initially suspicious of her demon status. Through his actions and unwavering faith in Nezuko, Tanjiro is able to win the trust and respect of his fellow Demon Slayers, forming strong bonds with characters like Inosuke and Zenitsu.

These relationships also help Tanjiro to overcome his emotional vulnerabilities and tendency to put others before himself. As he fights alongside his fellow Demon Slayers and witnesses their own struggles and hardships, Tanjiro gains a deeper understanding of the importance of self-care and the value of teamwork. 

He learns to rely on and trust in others, recognizing that he cannot fight demons alone. Through his bonds with his companions, Tanjiro also gains a greater sense of purpose and motivation, knowing that he is fighting not just for his own family but for the safety and well-being of all humanity.

With Demons

Tanjiro's interactions with demons play a significant role in his character development. Initially, he believes that all demons are evil and must be eliminated, but as he encounters more demons, he begins to understand that not all are inherently evil. He shows empathy towards demons who were once human and were turned into demons against their will.

One of the most notable interactions is with Muzan Kibutsuji, the main antagonist of the series and the first demon he encounters. Tanjiro's strong will and determination to protect his sister and avenge his family lead him to challenge Muzan, even though he is fully aware of the danger. Tanjiro shows his strength and skill as a fighter throughout their encounters, but he also learns more about the nature of demons and Muzan's past.

Other interactions with demons, such as with Tamayo and Yushiro, further challenge his beliefs and morals. Tamayo and Yushiro are demons who do not attack humans but instead live in hiding, researching how to cure their demonism. Tanjiro's interactions with them make him question his belief that all demons are evil and make him consider the possibility of coexistence between humans and demons.

Overall, Tanjiro's interactions with demons catalyze his growth and development as he learns to empathize with those he once considered his enemies.

Effect of His Traits and Flaws on His Relationships

Tanjiro's positive character traits, such as empathy and kindness, often earn him the trust and respect of his fellow Demon Slayers and even some demons he encounters. He goes to great lengths to understand their perspectives and help them find peace rather than simply defeating them. 

However, his emotional vulnerability and tendency to put others before himself can also leave him vulnerable to manipulation and harm, as seen in some of his interactions with powerful demons.

His strong bond with his sister Nezuko is also influenced by his desire to protect her and his guilt over not being able to save the rest of his family. This relationship drives many of his actions and influences his growth as a character throughout the series.

Tanjiro's interactions with his mentor, Urokodaki, also reveal more about his personality and motivations. His determination and willingness to learn from Urokodaki's training reflect his desire to become stronger and protect those he cares about.

Overall, Tanjiro's character is defined by his empathy, determination, and a strong sense of responsibility toward those he cares about. However, his emotional vulnerability and selflessness can also make him susceptible to harm and manipulation, adding complexity to his character and relationships.

Tanjiro's Significance To The General Plot of Demon Slayer

Tanjiro's contributions to battles and his impact on the series' overall plot are significant. As a Demon Slayer, Tanjiro possesses great strength and swordsmanship skills, which he uses to fight against demons and protect humanity. He also deeply understands his opponents, often empathizing with them and recognizing their humanity, even in their demon form.

Tanjiro's battles and encounters with demons profoundly impact the series' overall plot. His ability to see the good in others, including his enemies, challenges the binary view of good and evil and encourages empathy and understanding. Tanjiro's character development also contributes to the series' theme of perseverance and the importance of never giving up.

Throughout the series, Tanjiro's determination and kindness inspire those around him, including his fellow Demon Slayers. He forms close bonds with his allies, such as the boar-headed Inosuke and the shy Zenitsu, who initially underestimated him but came to respect him as a leader and friend.

Tanjiro's ultimate goal is to turn his sister, Nezuko, back into a human, and his love for her drives him to continue fighting against the demons. His unwavering dedication to his family and his duty as a Demon Slayer make him a compelling and inspiring protagonist.

In conclusion, Tanjiro Kamado is a complex and dynamic character whose contributions to battles and impact on the overall plot of the series make him a crucial part of Demon Slayer's success. His strengths, weaknesses, relationships, and personal journey all contribute to his character analysis, making him an iconic and beloved protagonist in the world of anime.

His Character Development vs. Demon Slayer's Plot

Tanjiro's character development plays a significant role in the overall themes of Demon Slayer. As a character, he embodies the themes of determination, kindness, and empathy. Throughout the series, he never gives up on his goal of turning his sister back into a human and protecting innocent people from demons.

His relationship with Nezuko emphasizes the theme of family and loyalty, as he goes to great lengths to protect her and keep her safe. His interactions with other characters, friends, and foes challenge his beliefs and values, forcing him to confront complex moral dilemmas.

Tanjiro's growth as a swordsman and his mastery of the water-breathing forms emphasize the theme of hard work, determination, and perseverance. His determination to improve and become stronger is a constant source of inspiration for other characters and viewers.

Overall, Tanjiro's character development contributes to the themes of family, loyalty, determination, and hard work, making him a crucial component of the story of Demon Slayer.

Ketsuron (Conclusion)

Tanjiro Kamado's character in Demon Slayer embodies empathy, determination, and kindness. His emotional vulnerability and tendency to put others before himself serve as both his strengths and weaknesses, affecting his relationships with other characters. 

Tanjiro's bond with his sister, Nezuko, shapes his actions and motivations throughout the series, while his interactions with fellow Demon Slayers and demons challenge his beliefs and morals. His contributions to battles and plot development highlight his growth as a fighter and person. Tanjiro's character development also reflects the story's themes, making him an integral part of the Demon Slayer universe.

Tanjiro Kamado's character is the heart of the Demon Slayer anime series. His empathy, determination, and kindness make him a relatable and inspiring hero for viewers. Tanjiro's journey from a tragedy-stricken boy to a skilled Demon Slayer is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. His relationships with Nezuko and his fellow Demon Slayers showcase the importance of camaraderie and teamwork. 

Tanjiro's impact on the overall plot of the series is immense, and his character development is a crucial aspect of the show's themes of family, loyalty, and redemption. Overall, Tanjiro Kamado's character is a shining example of what it means to be a hero, and his significance to the world of Demon Slayer cannot be overstated.